Fernando Alonso’s enthusiasm hasn’t been dampened despite his first crash in an IndyCar during practice at Indianapolis on Wednesday.
The Spaniard was caught out following Graham Rahal closely and would hit the outside wall at Turn 3 before sliding into the inside wall for the biggest impact and coming to a stop on the outside of Turn 4.
This was the latest setback in his preparations ahead of a second attempt at the 500 later this month, as electrical problems have also blighted his McLaren entry.
But focusing on his crash, the double Formula 1 world champion was unscathed.
“I think obviously there is a moment of stress, and this moment of danger that you feel you are in a single-seater and you are very fast and you will hit something at very high speed and it is going to hurt a little bit,” he told Associated Press.
“All the accidents feel more or less the same way, here the difference is the speed you hit the wall is very high.
“It’s not only one hit, normally. The second is coming or even the third eventually will come, so you need to get ready for all of them.
“But I have to say I have a bit lucky enough. This hit was just a brush and it was not a big deceleration, it was just a continuation.
“Overall, it was the first experience and hopefully, the last. But not that impressive even with the speeds that high because it was just a brush.”
Looking ahead, this weekend will see the qualifying event for the Indianapolis 500 with a final practice session taking place on Thursday.
And as Alonso continues his first attempt to complete motorsport’s Triple Crown, the 37-year-old insists it is still full steam ahead.
“I am always positive. We will be back stronger,” he added. “The team is making sure everything is ready for tomorrow.
“I am ready for tomorrow. No fear and we will be fast again.”